The Truth About Australia Day

Hint: It’s not the day Australia was founded.

Christopher Kelly

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Most Australians would have been told of that joyous moment Captain James Cook sailed into Botany Bay and claimed the land as “Terra Nullius”. But that happened in April of 1770. The day we celebrate Australia was based on events that happened 18 years later.

And unfortunately, January 26, 1788 was not as eventful as the landing of Captain James Cook.

The man who is responsible for Australia Day was Captain Arthur Phillip. And he did not approve of Captain James Cook’s original landing spot. The land was terrible for cultivation. So, after landing in Botany Bay around January 20, they decided to move camp a few kilometres north to what is now called Sydney Harbour. And just as they began setting up their new camp at Port Jackson in Sydney Cove, they learned that two French frigates of the Lapérouse expedition had just sailed into Botany Bay. Not the French!

Because of this, the British flag was officially raised for the second time in Australia’s history. And thanks to this ceremonious event (and a harsh adaptation to their new home over the next few decades) the colony grew fond of the date.

But back then it wasn’t called Australia Day, and that’s because Australia was originally called New Holland. They preferred…

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Christopher Kelly

Just your friendly gay man setting the record straight.